About

The Information Resources (IR) Department within the Library and Information Service (LIS) comprises three sections: Acquisitions and Subscriptions, Metadata Services, and Library Systems. Its primary mandate is to enhance and expand the library’s collection of information resources by acquiring, processing, maintaining, and administering both physical and digital materials, including books, e-books, journals, and databases. Through these functions, the department supports the academic community across the Potchefstroom, Mafikeng, and Vanderbijlpark campuses by ensuring seamless and unrestricted access to high-quality resources. The Library Systems section, based in Potchefstroom, also provides technical support and system services to all NWU libraries, including desktop support, management of system functionality, and ongoing technological enhancements. By implementing and supporting innovative technologies, the department streamlines internal processes for staff, improves the user experience, and fosters an environment conducive to academic excellence and scholarly success.

Manager: Acquisitions and Subscriptions

Carine Basson​

Carine Basson
+27 (0)18 299 2818
Carine.Basson@nwu.ac.za
Building E7A
Potchefstroom

Manager: Metadata Services

Molly Kekana​

Molly Kekana
+27 (0)18 389 2407
Molly.Kekana@nwu.ac.za
Building A-7
Mahikeng

Manager: Library Systems

Cecil Gasa​

Cecil Gasa
+27 (0)18 299 2801
Cecil.Gasa@nwu.ac.za
Building E7A
Potchefstroom

 

Sections and Services

Acquisitions and Subscriptions

Acquisitions

This department is responsible for acquiring printed and electronic material. Our resources and serials are listed in the following databases:

Staff and students can also suggest a source that the Library should acquire. (Note: Only registered students and staff can make suggestions.)

Binding

The Ferdinand Postma Library delivers a binding service to students, staff and members of the public.

Services include:

  • Binding of theses and dissertations
  • Binding of other materials
  • Binding repairs

Metadata Services

This department is responsible for cataloguing all the printed material on the NWU library shelves.

Our Library Catalogue is listed at

Library Systems

Library IT Support

This department forms the backbone or engine of the library. It is not only the department that supports all the other library departments but also directs the library's e-strategy as the driving force towards becoming a virtual, digital and multimedia library. Library IT support involves managing the information technology used in the library, drawing on knowledge of computer applications used in a library setting.

WorldShare Management Services (WMS) - Library Management System

WMS is a cloud-based library system that provides workflows, integrated resource management, and open access to data. It allows patrons to use library resources, place holds, and check out digital items. The WMS ILS platform can integrate with multiple workflows, such as e-Resource Management, Circulation, Cataloguing, and Acquisitions.

Boloka - Institutional Repository

It is the open-access Institutional Repository of the North West University (NWU-IR). This digital archive collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of the NWU. The NWU-IR aims to increase the visibility, availability, and impact of the research output of the North-West University through several initiatives that enable Open Access, search engine indexing, and harvesting.

Robots

NWU LIS is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by introducing the library's Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. The physical library robot will take over mundane tasks and respond instantly to our library clients. The primary mission of library employees can be performed with greater accuracy and reliability. It will also help reduce labour requirements, time consumption and cost of library management.

  • Read more about our robots.
  • Robot names:
    • Mahikeng: Sebueng (Talkative)
    • Potchefstroom: Lexi (Knowledge)
    • Vanderbijlpark: Lebone (Enlighten)

OJS - Open Journal Systems

OJS is an open-source software application used to manage and publish scholarly journals. It is a comprehensive tool for managing submissions, editorial workflow, and publishing articles and issues online.

EZproxy - Password Management

EZproxy allows the library to deliver e-resources to NWU students and staff simply and securely, no matter where or when they're searching. This includes access to our subscription databases, e-journals and ebooks. It protects our patrons' privacy and influences learning outcomes, making it a trusted tool in e-resource access and authentication. EZproxy provides the library with advanced analytics capabilities, making it easy to better understand and communicate e-resource ROI.

Web Services

The department is responsible for expanding and maintaining the following web services: